Well, the Camp Jackson event was a lot of fun! The entire week before, we were anxiously keeping an eye on the weather. With all of the devastating winds, tornadoes, and flooding, it wasn't looking all that great. Even as close as three days out there was a 70% chance of rain and thunderstorms predicted for Saturday! But thankfully, the rain held off until after 2pm Sunday.
Saturday held an interesting line-up for the spectators. Usually, mainstream events will have two battles, a "ball", and various things in camp for visitors to view and possibly participate in. Camp Jackson did something a bit different. Saturday's "battle" was a reenactment of the civilian massacre that occurred May 10, 1861. For a very well done article written about this horrid event, please visit 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment's blog and read the post written by CSA Brent. The reenactment turned out well, all things considered. The civilians taunted the soldiers. There was one man in particular who did an outstanding job at riling the civilians into cheers and jeers. General Lyon dismounted in an attempt to quiet the troops and calm the crowd. Unfortunately, his horse chose just that instant to kick him square in the head. Knocked unconscious, there was now no one in charge of the untrained troops. Without warning, a shot rang out from the crowd. Chaos was immediate as troops opened fire, causing further confusion among troops and civilians alike. Men and women scattered through the area frantically trying to escape the gunfire, while children clung to their mothers and tried desperately to keep up. In all, at least 28 civilians were murdered. Two were women, along with several children. After the smoke cleared and the frightened civilians were cleared of the field, a gentleman stepped forward and read off each casualty's name accompanied by one toll from a large bell. As each person's name was called, the reenactor portraying that individual stood and silently left the field. It was a moving spectacle to watch. It was a wonderful thing to participate in as well. The adrenaline that courses through your body, even though your brain knows it is just a reenactment and therefore not "real", is amazing. As gunshots are fired all around you, you cling tightly to your small child's hand while trying to keep a watchful eye on your other children as all are fleeing like frightened hens.... The spectators nearly vanish from view as you focus on that one clearing. The only path to escape all the noise and gunsmoke. Frightening, yes. Humbling, yes. Did every spectator "get it"? I would hazard to say no but there's always "that one person" who's intent upon making the reenactor "stumble". Ah well. For the rest of us who saw, knew, what it all meant, who knew why we were there, it was wonderful. All in all, Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point was a wonderful event.
Next meeting. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, May 17, 6:30pm, at The Art Store in Warrensburg. We will discuss period-style items to bring when you attend an event. What do I eat on, drink from, sit on, etc? If you have items already that you would like to show or would like confirmation on, please bring them with you! We'll also have a brief business-type meeting to discuss upcoming events that we would like to attend as a group. Please bring your calendars with you so you can check your schedule.
Edit to Add: Civil War Weekend at Heritage Village in Sharonville, OH, is May 21-22. If you would like to go with the group, please email your information to llhsjc @gmail.com before May 11. Registration fee is $5/person. There will be on-site camping for authentic camps only. Please email LLHSJC or visit Heritage Village for more information! We hope that you can join us at this fun, family-friendly event!
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